Must-Try Foods In Telegraph Island (Khasab) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Telegraph Island, Khasab, Oman

Telegraph Island, also known as Jazirat al Maqlab, is situated in the Elphinstone Inlet in the Musandam Peninsula of Oman. It gets its name from the telegraph cable station established in 1864, which was part of the London to Karachi telegraph cable link. The island itself does not have an indigenous population or a particular cuisine. However, the area around Khasab and the Musandam Peninsula reflects the culinary influences of Oman's seafaring heritage and its trading history with Africa, India, and other parts of the Middle East. Omani cuisine is characterized by blends of spices and herbs, with dishes comprising rice, meat, and seafood. Dates, limes, and dried fruits are common ingredients. Although there is no specific food unique to Telegraph Island, the town of Khasab and the surrounding region offer a variety of traditional Omani dishes for visitors to enjoy.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Telegraph Island, Khasab, Oman

1. Shuwa (Non-Veg) - A festive Omani dish of slow-cooked marinated lamb, traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground sand oven.
2. Mashuai (Non-Veg) - A dish consisting of roasted kingfish served with a lemon rice.
3. Madrouba (Can be Veg/Non-Veg) - A comfort food made with rice, chicken, or meat that's slowly cooked with a blend of spices until it achieves a porridge-like consistency.
4. Harees (Non-Veg) - A wheat mixed with meat, combined and cooked to a thick, smooth consistency, often seasoned with cardamom and served during Ramadan and special occasions.
5. Qabuli (Non-Veg) - Rice cooked with spices, topped with meat, and sometimes adorned with raisins and nuts.
6. Grilled Hammour (Non-Veg) - A popular fish in Omani cuisine that is typically marinated in spices and grilled.
7. Omani Halwa (Veg) - A sticky, sweet dessert made from dates, honey, and a mixture of spices, often flavored with rose water or saffron.
8. Luqaimat (Veg) - Sweet dumplings that are crunchy on the outside and soft inside, typically drizzled with date syrup or honey.
9. Saloonat Naarjeel (Non-Veg) - A tangy curry made with fish, tomatoes, and a variety of aromatic spices.
10. Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, commonly served with hummus or tahini sauce.

Top Famous Restaurants in Telegraph Island, Khasab, Oman

Note that there aren't restaurants on Telegraph Island itself as it is uninhabited, however, in the nearby town of Khasab, visitors can find several dining options.

• Al Shamaliah Grill Restaurant
  Address: Khasab Coastal Road, Khasab, Oman
  Famous Food: Grilled Hammour (Non-Veg)
• Telegraph Restaurant
  Address: Khasab, Oman
  Famous Food: Shuwa (Non-Veg)
• Wadi Qada Restaurant
  Address: Near Lulu Hypermarket, Khasab, Oman
  Famous Food: Qabuli (Non-Veg)
• Tangency Restaurant
  Address: Al Khasab Street, Khasab, Oman
  Famous Food: Madrouba (Can be Veg/Non-Veg)
• Bassam's Arabic Cuisine
  Address: Khasab, Oman
  Famous Food: Omani Halwa (Veg)

Please be aware that opening hours and availability of dishes can vary, and it is advisable to contact restaurants directly for the most current information. Also, due to the remote location of Telegraph Island, access to it is typically by boat tours, and meals are usually part of the offered packages.